Pubdate: Wed, 24 Mar 1999 Source: Bakersfield Californian (CA) Copyright: 1999, The Bakersfield Californian. Contact: http://www.bakersfield.com/ Author: Roger Vaughn POLICING PROBLEMS IN BAKERSFIELD CONTINUE Your article on Police Chief Steve Brummer's announced retirement failed to mention some very dire circumstances that have occurred during his tenure. This includes the sharp increase of teenage violent crimes; the high level of gang activity throughout the city; the increase in drug use and sales, especially among preteens and teenagers; the designation of Bakersfield as one of the methamphetamine capitals in the valley. Other serious concerns are: the deterioration of many southwest neighborhoods because of crime and drug infiltration; the building of a fence around West High to keep out organized drug activity; the failure to adopt more successful law enforcement programs and maintain Neighborhood Watch programs; the maintaining of an arrogant attitude of law enforcement; the introduction of home invasions and carjacking in the community. When I came to Bakersfield in 1982, the city was known as a nice, safe, family community to live in. That situation is totally reversed today. Thank God council members like Jacquie Sullivan and congressional representatives like Bill Thomas have encouraged the DEA to open an office locally. Roger Vaughn Bakersfield - --- MAP posted-by: Derek Rea